Carlos Sainz, often described as the king of the Formula One driver carousel, has made a decisive move regarding his future in the sport. According to reports in Italy, the Spanish driver has opted to continue his career with French factory team Alpine after leaving Ferrari at the end of the current season. The driving force behind this decision? None other than F1 returnee Flavio Briatore.
On the face of it, the Spanish driver has appeared to drag his heels when weighing up offers from several teams seeking his signature. Sainz has recently come under fire for taking too long to decide on his 2025 F1 move. However, the driver has defended his approach, insisting that this decision will determine the next phase of his career.
“This decision affects the outcome of the next few years of my life,” explained Sainz. “I think it is valid to give myself the time.”
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Ever since Ferrari announced that Lewis Hamilton would replace him in 2025, speculation about Sainz’s future has dominated the off-track headlines. His prospects at Red Bull were dashed when Sergio Perez’s contract was extended, and Mercedes appear to be promoting young talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Sainz was previously linked with Sauber/Audi and Williams until Alpine emerged as a contender during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend.
Several drivers with uncertain plans have expressed concern that Sainz is holding up the driver market. Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu, in particular, has expressed bewilderment at Sainz’s indecision. Despite the pressure, Sainz has remained steadfast in his belief that a hasty decision would not be in his best interests.
“There is a bit of guesswork, a bit of luck, a bit of trying to find out what is going on in Formula One,” he said.
“You always have to look at a driver’s move and criticise or analyse it with perspective. Was it the right move for Carlos in five years’ time or not?”
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The end of the soap opera
The prestigious Italian sports daily ‘Gazzetta dello Sport’ reports that the ‘soap opera’ surrounding the future of Carlos Sainz is finally coming to an end. Sainz, one of the most sought-after drivers on the market, has been linked with potential moves to Mercedes, Red Bull, Sauber/Audi and Williams.
However, recent developments have clarified the situation at the top teams. The saga of Sainz’s future has been a rollercoaster ride, with each potential opportunity closing one by one. The final straw came when Alpine entered the fray with a compelling offer that ultimately swayed Sainz’s decision. The move brings a sense of closure to a long period of speculation and sets the stage for Sainz to begin a new chapter with a promising team.
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The Briatore factor
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the main reason Sainz chose Alpine over Williams or Sauber is Flavio Briatore. The Italian, who has recently taken up an advisory role with the French team, was instrumental in making Alpine an attractive proposition for the outgoing Ferrari driver. Briatore’s influence in the world of motorsport is well documented, and his involvement with Alpine represents a strategic shift for the team.
“Briatore has apparently presented him with a credible relaunch plan that will give him the central role he deserves as a driver who has won F1 races,” notes the sports paper. This support from Briatore, coupled with a strategic vision for the team, has apparently convinced Sainz to commit his future to Alpine.
Briatore’s plan seems to focus on positioning Alpine as a key player in the F1 landscape. Utilising his extensive network and experience, Briatore has created a vision that not only appeals to Sainz, but is also in line with Alpine’s long-term ambitions. This strategic direction promises to provide Sainz with the stability and competitive edge he has been seeking.
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A strategic shift: Alpine and Mercedes Power
An integral part of the plan, supported by Alpine CEO Luca De Meo, is the consolidation of the team’s resources at the Enstone factory in England. Until now, the team has operated with a split focus, with chassis and aerodynamics at Enstone and engine production at Viry-Châtillon. However, significant changes are on the horizon.
Reports suggest that Renault, Alpine’s parent company, is planning to cease manufacturing engines for F1 by 2026, even with the introduction of new engine regulations. After 2026, the Viry-Châtillon plant will focus solely on producing engines for Alpine’s endurance racing programme. Speculation is rife that Mercedes will be the future engine supplier for Alpine’s Formula 1 efforts.
This potential partnership with Mercedes could be a game changer for Alpine. The Renault engines have been a weak point for the team, lacking the power and reliability of the Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda power units. By securing Mercedes engines, Alpine aims to significantly improve its performance and competitiveness on the grid.
Sainz’s calculated move
This strategic realignment may have been a key factor in Sainz’s decision to join Alpine. Currently, the team is struggling to compete, partly due to the fact that Renault’s engines are underpowered compared to those of Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda. By potentially securing Mercedes engines, Alpine aims to bridge this gap and improve its performance on the grid.
Sainz’s move to Alpine is more than just a change of scenery; it represents a commitment to a long-term project with significant potential. As the team works towards pooling its resources and potentially using Mercedes power units, Sainz’s experience and skills will be crucial in their quest to climb the Formula One ladder.
The Spaniard’s calculated decision reflects his desire to be part of a team where he can play a central role and contribute to its growth and success. With Briatore’s strategic insight and Alpine’s ambitious plans, Sainz is set to become a key figure in the team’s transformation.
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On-track performance amidst off-track distractions
Despite the off-track distractions, Sainz has continued to perform admirably on-track. He recently secured his fifth podium of the season at the Red Bull Ring, demonstrating his ability to stay focused and deliver strong results.
“As soon as I put the helmet on, I feel 100 per cent in the car,” said Sainz. “I think the weekend in Austria proves that I’m still at a high level and having one of my best seasons in F1.”
This ability to compartmentalise and maintain a high level of performance is a testament to Sainz’s professionalism and resilience. While the speculation and uncertainty has undoubtedly been challenging, Sainz has proven that he can rise above these distractions and deliver on the track.
Looking ahead
As Carlos Sainz prepares to close his chapter with Ferrari and embark on a new journey with Alpine, the 2024 Formula One season promises to be an exciting one. With Flavio Briatore’s strategic insights and Alpine’s ambitious plans, the stage is set for a compelling story of transformation and resurgence. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how this new alliance unfolds and whether it can propel Sainz and Alpine to new heights in the fiercely competitive world of Formula One.
The coming seasons will be crucial for Alpine as they implement their strategic plans and aim to become a top contender in Formula 1. Sainz’s decision to join the team is an important step in this journey. His experience, coupled with Briatore’s vision and the potential partnership with Mercedes, positions Alpine for a promising future.
As the dust settles on the driver market and the 2024 season gets underway, all eyes will be on Sainz and Alpine. Their performance will be closely scrutinised and their progress will be a key storyline in the ever-evolving world of Formula One.
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As has been said before, Carlos Sainz is the current cork in the bottle neck of the Formula One driver market. The Spaniard has been forced out of Ferrari following there decision by those above Fred Vasseur to recruit Lewis Hamilton for the next two seasons.
Sainz has an open offer on the table from Williams, a long term conversation has been taking place with Audi even before Carlos was effectively dismissed and now the appointment of Flavio Briatore to Alpine sees another option on the table for the three times Grand Prix winner.
Despite James Vowles stating publicly in Canada that Sainz was Williams “number one target” and a draft press release prepared to announce the move in Spain, Sainz is now…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
